What a weekend. It seems we had it all…gale force winds, torrential rain, sleet and stunning sunshine. It certainly didn’t put the birds off with a good selection from across the weekend, starting with….

Friday 15^th was a mixed day weather wise but a fair bit of coverage. Middlebere was counted where an incredible 1050 Black-tailed Godwit returned, also there, only 4 Avocet 1 ringtail Hen Harrier 29 Wigeon and 103 Dunlin. There were 3 Spoonbill back on the Brownsea Lagoon.

Saturday 16^th was again a tale of two half’s where strong winds and heavy rain eased by mid morning leaving a very spring like day to appear. In turn this produced the harbours first Wheatear on Stoborough Heath, also in the area around Soldiers Road a ringtail Hen Harrier, Peregrine Falcon, Chiffchaff and Woodlark in full song, 3 Dartford Warbler, 1 Green Sandpiper, 100+ Fieldfare, 2 Raven, 10 Redwing, and a Kestrel. A male Hen Harrier was hunting over near Keysworth and a Sandwich Tern was off Baiter again.

Sunday 17^th was a total surprise as the weather forecast predicted rain all day, however by 2pm a warm sun burnt through to provide a stunning sunset. A Hen Harrier survey commenced at various watch points around the harbour with the only birds being a male over Arne moors and a ringtail on Hartland Moor. Both Short-eared Owl and Barn Owl were out hunting over the moors with another Barn Owl at Lytchett Bay. Also at Lytchett Bay 40 Brent Geese, 9 Gadwall, 11 Med Gull and 40 Black-tailed Godwit.